Today starts the last day of residential camp for the summer at camp. It's senior high week!
That means lots of purple patrol, more late nights, nukem tournaments, worship team in the back of the chapel, and lots of confiscated electronics.
I'm excited these kids are here. God showed up big time last week for the junior highers and that was cool to see Him working in their hearts. The best way to explain how I feel now is weird. I don't have to talk to these campers like little kids but I do have to be in charge of them (sometimes). They mostly know what they are doing here at camp but they also have to listen to directions. See what I mean? Also, I only have a year's difference on the oldest campers but man does that make a lot of difference. Just seeing them, talking to them in the registration line is an eye opener of how much I have grown this year.
The other thing that's nice about this week is that I know how things have to go. I've done it a lot already this summer. I'm nervous that I won't enjoy this week the way I should. Isn't that silly? Worried I won't enjoy something.
That's what's happening this week for me at Arrowhead. I haven't had much to blog lately which is way out of character. Thanks for checking the blog anyway :)
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Contentment
When something horrific happens, people jump into action or run away.
My heart is broken to hear about the horror of the gunman in the movie theatre in Colorado this weekend. What a horrible act. My stomach aches for those who witnessed it all, those who lost family and friends, and those who are now coping with a brand new fear. In a time like this, it's easy to say that evil and crazy are prominent. I'd rather not give the evil one that much credit.
I love to read the stories of people all over the CO giving blood, bringing meals to families, opening their homes, and rolling up their sleeves to help in other ways. I take great joy in seeing love trump evil.
This morning, I read quite a few articles that were various responses on the tragedy and that seems to be the conclusive view point. Let's not give this guy any more attention and let's schift our focus to those who are helping in whatever way they can.
After something horrific, there's a great rush forward to help. What about when the emotions calm down, hearts stop racing and the adrenaline is gone? What about when the town has cooled off? The feeling may be gone, but the actions can remain. Even is something terrible isn't happening, continue to help. Give blood, help a neighbor going through a tough time by offering to watch their kids, pray for somebody, leave an encouraging note in their mailbox, spend quality time listening to a friend (or a stranger), cry with somebody who needs a shoulder to cry on, take the time to ask how someone is really doing. Christ did not call us to be comfortable. Step out of your comfort zone and serve. Yes, it is easier to sit and read/watch the news and think "How awful! The world is going to the dogs!" Why not add some good to our world and share Christ's light? Yes, you can with His help.
The song that keeps coming up for me is "Are You Ready for Love?" by AudioAdrenaline. I had a hard time finding it online but I had it on my iTunes. Here are the lyrics:
"Are You Ready For Love"
My heart is broken to hear about the horror of the gunman in the movie theatre in Colorado this weekend. What a horrible act. My stomach aches for those who witnessed it all, those who lost family and friends, and those who are now coping with a brand new fear. In a time like this, it's easy to say that evil and crazy are prominent. I'd rather not give the evil one that much credit.
I love to read the stories of people all over the CO giving blood, bringing meals to families, opening their homes, and rolling up their sleeves to help in other ways. I take great joy in seeing love trump evil.
This morning, I read quite a few articles that were various responses on the tragedy and that seems to be the conclusive view point. Let's not give this guy any more attention and let's schift our focus to those who are helping in whatever way they can.
After something horrific, there's a great rush forward to help. What about when the emotions calm down, hearts stop racing and the adrenaline is gone? What about when the town has cooled off? The feeling may be gone, but the actions can remain. Even is something terrible isn't happening, continue to help. Give blood, help a neighbor going through a tough time by offering to watch their kids, pray for somebody, leave an encouraging note in their mailbox, spend quality time listening to a friend (or a stranger), cry with somebody who needs a shoulder to cry on, take the time to ask how someone is really doing. Christ did not call us to be comfortable. Step out of your comfort zone and serve. Yes, it is easier to sit and read/watch the news and think "How awful! The world is going to the dogs!" Why not add some good to our world and share Christ's light? Yes, you can with His help.
The song that keeps coming up for me is "Are You Ready for Love?" by AudioAdrenaline. I had a hard time finding it online but I had it on my iTunes. Here are the lyrics:
"Are You Ready For Love"
Broken widow
And fatherless child
I've turned my back on you
I missed the point here
I over analyzed it
Somewhere I missed the clues
Are you ready for love?
Are ready for real emotion?
Are you too comfortable to join the revolution?
Oh, this love is revolutionary
When it's inside of you
It's just so simple
I never realized it
I never had a clue
I fall down
I fall down to my knees
Fall down and weep
With joy
And fatherless child
I've turned my back on you
I missed the point here
I over analyzed it
Somewhere I missed the clues
Are you ready for love?
Are ready for real emotion?
Are you too comfortable to join the revolution?
Oh, this love is revolutionary
When it's inside of you
It's just so simple
I never realized it
I never had a clue
I fall down
I fall down to my knees
Fall down and weep
With joy
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Bethany Ski Team
This week, Bethany Ski Team has taken over camp.
It's insane. There's threatening equipment everywhere and high schoolers everywhere who look like they could squash me like a bug or stare into my soul with their perfectly made up faces. Yeah, they're intimidating.
It's good preparation for senior high week but this week, the skiers brought their own leaders. They don't know the ABC staff, but we are technically have authority over them. It's awkward.
A lot of people on staff were gone this weekend for a wedding and a baptism (two different girls named Katie) and this whole week we are rotating jobs. Saturday I was helping prep for supper, which meant helping bake bread and making monster cookies. They turned out great- woohoo! Today I was doing dishes, cleaning up food, and putting away clean dishes. It was a good reminder that last summer when that was my whole job, it was not always fun. I look back at last summer with fond memories, but today was a reminder that it was hard work.
3rd and 4th graders left on Friday afternoon and then ski team came Saturday afternoon. We usually get all of Saturday off, so that was a rough transition. Also, people saying "Bethany" all the time in reference to ski team is a bummer for me.
This seems like a lot of complaining which I'm pretty disappointed about. I want to like this week! It's a lot more relaxed than other weeks. In general, people have a lot more time off and breaks in their schedule and children are not hanging off them all the time. I just need a little time to adjust to the new and somewhat tumultuous schedule.
I hope your week has started well!
It's insane. There's threatening equipment everywhere and high schoolers everywhere who look like they could squash me like a bug or stare into my soul with their perfectly made up faces. Yeah, they're intimidating.
It's good preparation for senior high week but this week, the skiers brought their own leaders. They don't know the ABC staff, but we are technically have authority over them. It's awkward.
A lot of people on staff were gone this weekend for a wedding and a baptism (two different girls named Katie) and this whole week we are rotating jobs. Saturday I was helping prep for supper, which meant helping bake bread and making monster cookies. They turned out great- woohoo! Today I was doing dishes, cleaning up food, and putting away clean dishes. It was a good reminder that last summer when that was my whole job, it was not always fun. I look back at last summer with fond memories, but today was a reminder that it was hard work.
3rd and 4th graders left on Friday afternoon and then ski team came Saturday afternoon. We usually get all of Saturday off, so that was a rough transition. Also, people saying "Bethany" all the time in reference to ski team is a bummer for me.
This seems like a lot of complaining which I'm pretty disappointed about. I want to like this week! It's a lot more relaxed than other weeks. In general, people have a lot more time off and breaks in their schedule and children are not hanging off them all the time. I just need a little time to adjust to the new and somewhat tumultuous schedule.
I hope your week has started well!
Monday, July 09, 2012
Naps
I would like to be one of those people who pop out of bed ready to meet the day with a smile. Unfortunately, each morning is its own crazy string of events.
Each day, we have a staff meeting in the room across the hall from mine in the lodge. Hallelujah for it being that close! If I had to walk across camp, I might be late every morning. Although, perhaps it's the vicinity to the room that makes me sleepy in the meeting. Staff meetings start at 7:00 AM which means I don't have to be out of my bed until 6:58 if need be. I try to be up before that but I know that I don't have to be.
Anyway, it's usually a little ways into the meeting before I'm comprehending anything. It helps me to get ready and dressed for the day before the meeting. Today was a TMNT tshirt kind of day. I was fine this morning, paying attention and really enjoyed our devotional. Then suddenly once I was in my desk BAM! I knew I was going to need a nap today. Dang it.
Jeremiah, my boss, had to go into town to do a deposit so after lunch when the campers are doing their F.O.B. (flat on bunk aka nap time) I got to have a 20 minute nap. Also, I nap under my desk. True story. And also, not a lot of people know I do that and when I'm down there I'm basically invisible. ChaCHING. The plan was just to lay there quietly until I had to ring the bell for skill's class, but I'm pretty sure I actually fell asleep.
I don't love feeling foggy or half asleep, but sometimes things just go that way. What's a bigger problem is when that pattern continues for days. Yuck.
I ordered the camp photo today, entered registration info, did a ton or receipting, and got things ready for the deposit. I received a BUNCH of candy today from my Uncle Dean.
Thanks! It's out to share for the office. Right now, we have caramel corn and monster cookies from the kitchen, mints, tootsie rolls and skittles from my uncle sitting out in the office right now. Woah. That's a lot.
Right now, almost all the things on my desk are done. That's awesome. My mom's surgery went really well today. That's awesome. How's your Monday? I hope it's great!
Each day, we have a staff meeting in the room across the hall from mine in the lodge. Hallelujah for it being that close! If I had to walk across camp, I might be late every morning. Although, perhaps it's the vicinity to the room that makes me sleepy in the meeting. Staff meetings start at 7:00 AM which means I don't have to be out of my bed until 6:58 if need be. I try to be up before that but I know that I don't have to be.
Anyway, it's usually a little ways into the meeting before I'm comprehending anything. It helps me to get ready and dressed for the day before the meeting. Today was a TMNT tshirt kind of day. I was fine this morning, paying attention and really enjoyed our devotional. Then suddenly once I was in my desk BAM! I knew I was going to need a nap today. Dang it.
Jeremiah, my boss, had to go into town to do a deposit so after lunch when the campers are doing their F.O.B. (flat on bunk aka nap time) I got to have a 20 minute nap. Also, I nap under my desk. True story. And also, not a lot of people know I do that and when I'm down there I'm basically invisible. ChaCHING. The plan was just to lay there quietly until I had to ring the bell for skill's class, but I'm pretty sure I actually fell asleep.
I don't love feeling foggy or half asleep, but sometimes things just go that way. What's a bigger problem is when that pattern continues for days. Yuck.
I ordered the camp photo today, entered registration info, did a ton or receipting, and got things ready for the deposit. I received a BUNCH of candy today from my Uncle Dean.
Thanks! It's out to share for the office. Right now, we have caramel corn and monster cookies from the kitchen, mints, tootsie rolls and skittles from my uncle sitting out in the office right now. Woah. That's a lot.
Right now, almost all the things on my desk are done. That's awesome. My mom's surgery went really well today. That's awesome. How's your Monday? I hope it's great!
Thursday, July 05, 2012
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Monday, July 02, 2012
Gettin' Dunked
Right now, there's a lot on my plate. There's lots to do and I know that if I would just DO it I would feel better. Sometimes my brain knows it but the message doesn't get to my hands. But lets back up a few days.
Last week I was baptized! It was amazing! I don't believe that baptism is the key to getting into Heaven. I don't think it saves me. I became a Christian a long time ago but only recently did it all finally click- what it means to be a true follower of Christ, how to live for Him, and how badly I need Him. That clicking was what spurred me on to be baptized. Also, my cousin and mom were at camp last week. Then my sister came to camp, and then my dad, aunt & uncle, uncle, and grandparents. It was so great! A couple family friends were there too to see me be baptized. My dad and my boss, Jeremiah, dunked me :) I got to say some words to the campers like my testimony and why I want to be baptized. I cried (A LOT) but it was worth it. People thought it was a good message for the kids to hear before they went home. The Holy Spirit totally spoke for me because I can barely remember what I said. I also didn't have my notebook with what I wanted to say so I forgot a few things. Oh well. It was a great day, last Friday.
Obviously, it would have been cool if every single person in my life who is important could have been there, but that's never a reality. I'm grateful for everyone who was there. Last year in school, I got a lot of grief for not being baptized. I would knock something over or say something stupid and the auto-response from a select few was "oh it's because she's not baptized" and that's barely funny the first time. So if you haven't been baptized, don't let anybody push you into it. I waited until I felt it was a time I could share with family and that I was in a good place with God. I thought I had to have every part of my sinful self under control before I could be baptized but if that were true then NObody would be baptized. Get to a place where you're good with God and want to make that step. Don't do it out of obligation to follow 'the rule' or because everyone else is doing it.
The Family! I don't know why it's blurry.
Right before the actual baptism
Some of summer staff
Obviously, it would have been cool if every single person in my life who is important could have been there, but that's never a reality. I'm grateful for everyone who was there. Last year in school, I got a lot of grief for not being baptized. I would knock something over or say something stupid and the auto-response from a select few was "oh it's because she's not baptized" and that's barely funny the first time. So if you haven't been baptized, don't let anybody push you into it. I waited until I felt it was a time I could share with family and that I was in a good place with God. I thought I had to have every part of my sinful self under control before I could be baptized but if that were true then NObody would be baptized. Get to a place where you're good with God and want to make that step. Don't do it out of obligation to follow 'the rule' or because everyone else is doing it.
also, this is my 100th post! Woohoo!
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